Manual csl in estoril blue.

[alexk]

Originally Posted by shimmy

Nice bit of work...but everybody certainly doesn't want a manual....I don't, and BMW engineers certainly didn't.

Amen brother

[Marv968]

Originally Posted by shimmy

Nice bit of work...but everybody certainly doesn't want a manual....I don't, and BMW engineers certainly didn't.

I wonder if BMW actually made a CSL test mule with a manual box?

I have read that Porsche did make a 991 GT3 test mule, with a manual box, but they decided that they preferred PDK.

Just because BMW chose SMG for the CSL, doesn't mean that some of the development team would have preferred a manual box though...there might have been pressure from above to push for the CSL to have SMG, as it was the forefront of their gearbox technology at the time.

[Neil M]

Where would DCT be without SMG, the days of the 'Sinclair Spectrum' are long gone, embrace the future!
You might not like it but it's here to stay, at least for the time being.

[alexk]

I love this BS about the amazing feeling of manual boxes and the unbelievable drivers man-handling the manual boxes.
Last time I checked, racing cars had non-manual boxes the last 20 years

[Mike R]

Originally Posted by alexk

I love this BS about the amazing feeling of manual boxes and the unbelievable drivers man-handling the manual boxes.
Last time I checked, racing cars had non-manual boxes the last 20 years

But most of us are talking about the different involvement levels (at normal speed limits) on the road compared to the track. I wouldn't have the CSL anything other than SMG for the track (where IMO it adds a level of involvement, as it allows you to concentrate even more on making it just lap fast - it's main remit AFAIAC), but on the road it is a bit boring unless you drive it at licence loosing speeds or are doing big skids (again likely to get you locked up). This is why I put the Supersprint on it - to make it more of an occasion on the road - the cold start up is just ear-bleedingly immense (although I'm not sure my neighbours would agree ) .

[glendog74]

Owning both a E46 M3 CSL and a manual gearbox E46 M3 Coupé of the same age, I can categorically state that the manual sucks compared to SMG!

The throw is so long and the manual shift speeds are way off SMG of course - even when I concentrate, lol! Arguably it has more 'driver involvement' but it really is not enjoyable involvement and in fact can be a real chore to change gear at times. I can only imagine how shit and frustrating it would be on track when compared to an SMG car!

Perhaps having owned the CSL for 6 years has made me a lazier driver when it comes to gearboxes but I wouldn't consider another manual gearbox in any future car purchases. You only have to look at how many modern cars have modern sequential/DCT/DSG gearboxes fitted nowadays - progress!

[AlexGTT]

Agreed Rob. People go on and on about how shite SMG is and mine has never given a moments trouble. Of all the flappy paddle boxes I've used over the years I actually prefer it. It's one of the few that feels like there's a mechanical process going on.............and it's plenty quick enough changing gears.

The bad rep has no doubt come because people don't know how the use the SMG properly to preserve the clutch and stop it slurring. Yes in full auto mode it's not good but no-one should ever use auto mode.

Mine has done high 70k miles and has had one clutch at 35k miles. It feels as sharp as ever.

Going onto the CSL rep, good luck to the chap. Looks like a lovely car. I like.

[LeinsCSL]

I don't want a manual box in my CSL
I don't want an SMG in my E30
I don't want to go on a track
I don't get bored
I don't care

Nice CSL Rep though btw!

[Loaded]

What a car! Amazing work on it.

[shimmy]

Originally Posted by LeinsCSL

I don't want a manual box in my CSL
I don't want an SMG in my E30
I don't want to go on a track
I don't get bored
I don't care

Nice CSL Rep though btw!

cooo you are so negative....isn't the recession over there yet?